Are there any acceptable standard pressure .38 Special loads for defensive use?
....When fired out of a snubnose?
I recently acquired a S&W 638 that is intended as a BUG to my VP9 or for carry in very hot weather or in places where I just need a smaller gun. I'm not someone who generally uses +P in any of my guns and I'm curious if there any standard pressure loadings in .38 Special that are acceptable performers. Thus far I haven't been very impressed by the gel test results for standard pressure loads I've been watching on Youtube. Does a decent standard pressure load exist or do I just need to accept that I need to change my usual MO here and go with +P for the 638?